We had a new brick chimney installed last June by a reputable local company. In the fall a small area at the base began to show a frosty look. Now in the winter, the entire brick unit (top to bottom) is white. It’s even difficult to tell the color of the bricks. Is it a flue pipe installation error, or something in the brick ? I enjoy your program. Keep us homeowners informed.
Answer:
The white stain is from a moisture problem. The moisture moves through the brick and mortar, and deposits the white, lime, salty deposit. It could be from many possible problems – cap, flashing, flue, original work, etc.